Gibson Trini Lopez
Encyclopedia
The Gibson Trini Lopez is a semi-hollow body electric guitar manufactured by Gibson
, released in 1964 as a signature model for Latin pop star Trini Lopez
. It is based on the ES range of Gibson semi-acoustic guitars. More specifically, this guitar is said to have been based on a mid 60's Gibson ES-335
, but with some significant cosmetic differences. Most noticeable are the diamond shaped f-holes, which are joined by the split diamond inlays on the fingerboard. The eye catching f-hole design echoes the Trini Lopez's own Gibson guitar, that had f- holes just like these, as well as a diamond pick guard. Other changes include a 6 in-line headstock reminiscent of the Gibson Firebird
, and a trapeze tailpiece- which would have featured on ES-335's of the time. The original guitar had 'patent number' Humbucking pickups-an evolution of the hollowed PAF pickups. The Gibson Custom shop's current reissue of the Trini Lopez features the popular '57 classics. Another difference from the original is the lack of pick guard, as the '64 model had a black ES pick guard, but the reissue comes without.
Artists who have famously used this guitar include Noel Gallagher
of Oasis
, who used a Trini Lopez model between 2002 and 2005, and can be seen in the video for Lyla. Gallagher's former Oasis bandmate Andy Bell
uses a red Trini Lopez, similar to Noel's, with his new band, Beady Eye
. His guitar is fitted with a Bigsby Vibrato and a black pickguard (again, the same specs as Noel's guitar). And probably a more well known user of this model is Dave Grohl
of the Foo Fighters
, who uses a "Pelham Blue" Dave Grohl Custom (DG-335) which is modeled after the Trini Lopez, which has become his main guitar when playing concerts. Gibson's Custom Shop has released a Dave Grohl signature model (The Gibson DG-335) which is exactly the same spec as his. Steve Mazur
of Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace
currently uses this guitar for live concert performances.
Gibson Guitar Corporation
The Gibson Guitar Corporation, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan and currently of Nashville, Tennessee, manufactures guitars and other instruments which sell under a variety of brand names...
, released in 1964 as a signature model for Latin pop star Trini Lopez
Trini Lopez
Trini Lopez is an American singer, guitarist and actor.-Career:Lopez was born in Dallas, Texas, on Ashland Street in the Little Mexico neighborhood. He began his entertainment career in Dallas playing at the Vegas Club, a nightclub owned by Jack Ruby...
. It is based on the ES range of Gibson semi-acoustic guitars. More specifically, this guitar is said to have been based on a mid 60's Gibson ES-335
Gibson ES-335
The Gibson ES-335 is the world's first commercial thinline arched-top semi-acoustic electric guitar. Released by the Gibson Guitar Corporation as part of its ES series in 1958, it is neither hollow nor solid; instead, a solid wood block runs through the center of its body...
, but with some significant cosmetic differences. Most noticeable are the diamond shaped f-holes, which are joined by the split diamond inlays on the fingerboard. The eye catching f-hole design echoes the Trini Lopez's own Gibson guitar, that had f- holes just like these, as well as a diamond pick guard. Other changes include a 6 in-line headstock reminiscent of the Gibson Firebird
Gibson Firebird
The Gibson Firebird is a solid-body electric guitar manufactured by Gibson from 1963 to the present.-History:The Gibson Guitar Corporation released several new styles during the 1950s to compete with Fender's instruments, such as the Telecaster and Stratocaster. After success with the Les Paul in...
, and a trapeze tailpiece- which would have featured on ES-335's of the time. The original guitar had 'patent number' Humbucking pickups-an evolution of the hollowed PAF pickups. The Gibson Custom shop's current reissue of the Trini Lopez features the popular '57 classics. Another difference from the original is the lack of pick guard, as the '64 model had a black ES pick guard, but the reissue comes without.
Artists who have famously used this guitar include Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher
Noel Thomas David Gallagher is an English musician and singer-songwriter, formerly the lead guitarist, backing vocalist and principal songwriter of the English rock band Oasis. He is currently fronting his solo project, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.Raised in Burnage, Manchester with his...
of Oasis
Oasis (band)
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
, who used a Trini Lopez model between 2002 and 2005, and can be seen in the video for Lyla. Gallagher's former Oasis bandmate Andy Bell
Andy Bell (musician)
Andrew Piran "Andy" Bell is a Welsh musician, currently playing guitar in the band Beady Eye. He is a songwriter, singer, producer, DJ and former member of the early 1990s shoegazing band, Ride, and later, Hurricane #1...
uses a red Trini Lopez, similar to Noel's, with his new band, Beady Eye
Beady Eye
Beady Eye are an English rock band formed in 2009. The band consists of vocalist Liam Gallagher, guitarist Gem Archer and guitarist Andy Bell, all former members of Oasis, rounded by drummer and percussionist Chris Sharrock who substituted for Oasis during their last tour in 2008/2009, before Oasis...
. His guitar is fitted with a Bigsby Vibrato and a black pickguard (again, the same specs as Noel's guitar). And probably a more well known user of this model is Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl
David Eric "Dave" Grohl is an American rock musician, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter who is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for Foo Fighters; the former drummer for Nirvana and Scream; and the current drummer for Them Crooked Vultures...
of the Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...
, who uses a "Pelham Blue" Dave Grohl Custom (DG-335) which is modeled after the Trini Lopez, which has become his main guitar when playing concerts. Gibson's Custom Shop has released a Dave Grohl signature model (The Gibson DG-335) which is exactly the same spec as his. Steve Mazur
Steve Mazur
Notable InstrumentsGibson Trini LopezSteven Theodore Mazur is an American guitarist, best known as the lead guitarist for alternative rock band Our Lady Peace...
of Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace
Our Lady Peace is a Canadian alternative rock band that formed in Toronto, Ontario in 1992. Headed by lead vocalist Raine Maida since its formation, the band additionally consists of Jeremy Taggart on percussion, Duncan Coutts on bass, and Steve Mazur as lead guitarist...
currently uses this guitar for live concert performances.